I'm here, I'm ready, it's on

I am beginning my dissertation. I am open to what the data is telling me. I feel peaceful and calm. Paris was amazing, I met a few really good people. My journey is just beginning, I am here to learn.

I never talk to people next to me on flights; I prefer to sit in my own space in the air. But this lady next to me had a lovely accent and great energy. We talked and it turns out she is a publisher. I talked to her about some of my ideas and she gave me helpful suggestions. It's all part of this crazy, messed up, windy, exciting path that I'm on.

I feel humble, like it's not about me anymore. I have a greater responsibility now and I am taking it seriously. I know what I can do to help the movement more than ever. I am ready to devote my life to this cause.

It's bigger than me, it's about the hard work of the individuals I met. To see videos is one thing. To meet activists in person is another, to hear their voices and stories, see their brave smiles. I will never forget her face, so lovely, and her embrace, so heartfelt.

But one suggestion I will not take--the one about being a scholar for this project, not an activist. I don't believe in that mutual exclusivity. I will be scientific and systematic the whole way, yes. But I will not pretend to not have any biases. No one is bias-free. And I want to write a book that will help the women's movement--I will not pretend otherwise. Does this worldview and goal affect my research? Absolutely. Will it shape how I write findings? Yes, but don't all worldviews, methods and biases? All I can do is be as self-aware and transparent as possible. My project is somewhere between science and art. I am not afraid to take this approach and I can defend it, matter of fact I've published articles on it.

Thank goodness for life!